Overview
Snapshot
- Eligibility
- New York local governments, counties, municipalities, Tribal Governments, and other government entities or entities created by units of government, such as special units of government, regional planning boards, or government-controlled nonprofits, as collectively authorized under section 99-y of the General Municipal Law
- Funding Amount
- In Round 2, ConnectALL expects to award $1-5 million in grants of up to $249,999 each
- Request for Applications
- Deadline for Applications
- November 7, 2025 at 11:59PM ET through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Portal
The Regional and Local Assistance Program provides grant funding to New York local governments, counties, municipalities, Tribal Governments, and other government entities or entities created by units of government to plan and implement broadband or wireless deployment and digital equity projects and programs, and other efforts consistent with the ConnectALL mandate. The program will provide grants or technical assistance to eligible applicants for program funding to include non-capital resources, technical assistance and planning which could include feasibility studies or digital equity research, identifying areas in need of internet service or new investments in broadband, or the development of financing for broadband facilities. This program does not fund construction in any form.
Awards
In October 2024, Empire State Development announced $1.5 Million in technical assistance grants awarded to eight projects across seven regions of New York State through Round 1 of the Regional and Local Assistance Program.
| Awardee | Region | Award Amount Up To |
|---|---|---|
| Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board | Central New York | $249,999 |
| Columbia Economic Development Corporation | Capital District | $120,000 |
| Montgomery County | Mohawk Valley | $249,999 |
| New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development | New York City | $198,000 |
| New York City Department of Youth and Community Development | New York City | $249,999 |
| Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board | Southern Tier | $90,000 |
| Westchester County | Mid-Hudson | $199,397 |
| Wyoming County | Finger Lakes | $236,000 |
Press Releases
Program Dates
ConnectALL will award Regional and Local Assistance grants in multiple funding rounds per 12-month period (i.e., at least two funding rounds per 12-month period are projected), until a total of up to $10 million is awarded. The number of funding rounds, timing of the opening and closing of funding rounds and award totals are subject to change at ConnectALL’s discretion.
RFA Round 2
September 29, 2025: Request for Applications issued; opening of the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Portal
October 15, 2025: Date by which applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit questions for the Program Q&A to [email protected]
November 7, 2025, 11:59PM ET: Deadline for applications, submitted through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) Portal
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are New York local governments, counties, municipalities, Tribal Governments, and other government entities or entities created by units of government, such as special units of government, regional planning boards, or government-controlled nonprofits, as collectively authorized under section 99-y of the General Municipal Law. See also General Municipal Law §2. Eligible applicants may choose to subcontract for certain aspects of project implementation, but in that case, the applicant should identify that subcontractor through a public procurement process.
Application Information
Round 2 Application Information
- Regional and Local Assistance Program Round 2 Request for Applications (re-issued September 29, 2025)
- Regional and Local Assistance Program Round 2 Application Instructions and Checklist (updated September 29, 2025)
- Regional and Local Assistance Program Round 2 Funding Request Template (updated September 29, 2025)
- Regional and Local Assistance Program Round 2 Presentation (updated October 15, 2025)
Round 1 Application Information
- View the Round 1 RFA information session recording and presentation (see Round 2 Presentation above for accurate Round 2 dates)
- Regional and Local Assistance Program Round 1 Request for Applications (updated June 17, 2024)
- Questions and Answers on the Round 1 Request for Applications (updated July 5, 2024)
Contact Us
Please send your questions regarding the Regional and Local Assistance Program to: [email protected].
To sign up for a ConnectALL mailing list or ask a question unrelated to the Regional and Local Assistance Program use this contact form.